Himeji

The castle around which the city of Himeji has developed represents one of the best preserved in the country, and has been designated as a national treasure and a World Heritage Site. Other landmarks of the feudal age in Himeji include traditional samurai districts, with the renovated homes and artfully arranged gardens adding to the historical core of the city, and a number of museums explaining their history, importance, and relevance to contemporary Japanese culture. The flat and relatively quiet city can be explored on foot, or by rented bicycle, with the topography and lack of traffic making sightseeing in Himeji a breeze. Explore the family-friendly attractions of Himeji and add them to your vacation plans using our Japan travel itinerary maker.

Where to stay in Himeji

The UNESCO-protected castle brings plenty of visitors to Himeji, so the quiet city possesses enough accommodations to be able to suit their eclectic tastes and diverse budgets. Located in clusters among the main commercial squares close to the train station, you'll find the main hotels, including budget and luxury options. Look to the side streets of this central district for a fair selection of hostels and guesthouses. The high speed train service connecting Himeji to Osaka and Kyoto means that many visitors choose to visit during a day trip from one of these large cities.